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"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:14)
This week's devotions are focused on having optimism and forward-thinking instead of living in the past and in the dark valley of regret. In January 2020, God gave me a word for the year, and that word was "forward." Little did I know then what awaited the world beginning just a few weeks later. Remember COVID-19? You might reply, "How could I forget?!" It still astounds me how one virus could literally shut the world down, and yet, that is what happened. Some fear another pandemic is on the horizon. Recently, many were anxiously watching the developments surrounding the hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius.
An AP article dated May 7 stated, "Health authorities across four continents Thursday were tracking down and monitoring passengers who disembarked a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship before its deadly outbreak was detected, and trying to trace others who may have come into contact with them since then. In Argentina, a team of investigators has yet to leave for the southern town where they suspect the outbreak originated, officials from the country's Health Ministry told The Associated Press on Thursday. The Argentine investigators suspect a Dutch couple may have contracted the virus while on a bird-watching trip before they boarded the cruise ship." ( Source.)
While I am writing this devotion a couple of weeks before today's date, one of two things will happen with this virus: either it will dissipate and not cause widespread harm, or it will spread perhaps into another pandemic. Of course, we are all praying for the former!
But even if and when another pandemic breaks out in our world, the child of God can still be positive and forward-thinking knowing that this world is not our home. The Apostle Paul knew much about suffering and hardship as he served Christ faithfully in the first century. But if he were writing to us today, I am sure his message would be the same. Based on our text for today, Paul would tell us to press on!
My goal this week is to write each devotion with a focus toward the good or what is positive. There is so much power in thinking positively. It sure beats always thinking negatively! The temptation (a valid one, at that) is for us to cast our eyes downward, and start moving backward instead of forward. I want to help you not do that. In every area of your life—your walk with God, your family, church, business, relationships, yes in every facet of your personal and professional life—I want to come alongside you this week and, by God's grace, motivate you, and if need be, challenge you to move forward. |
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